Top 10 Small Pickup Trucks 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

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How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each small pickup against the priorities that real truck shoppers tell dealers and survey firms they actually care about. We leaned on published data from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), U.S. News, the IIHS, the EPA, and manufacturer pages. The weighting:

• Fuel economy and daily practicality — 25%
• Payload and towing capability — 20%
• Reliability and ownership cost — 20%
• Interior comfort and tech — 15%
• Safety ratings — 10%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

A truck that sips gas but can't haul a weekend's worth of lumber, or one that tows well but drinks fuel like a full-size, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Ford Maverick 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $27,000 | Best for: Daily drivers who want truck utility without the gas bill

The 2027 Ford Maverick continues to dominate the small truck segment with its standard hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city and 33 mpg highway — numbers that shame most compact cars. The 2.5-liter hybrid makes 191 hp and 155 lb-ft, while the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost bumps that to 250 hp and 277 lb-ft for those needing more grunt. The 4.5-foot bed features FITS (Ford Integrated Tether System) with movable cleats and a 12-volt power outlet, and the cabin seats five with a flip-up rear seat that reveals lockable under-seat storage. Maximum towing hits 2,000 lb with the hybrid or 4,000 lb with the EcoBoost and 4K Tow Package. The IIHS Top Safety Pick rating and a proven reliability record seal the deal.

Pros:

• Standard hybrid with 42 mpg city
• Clever FITS bed storage system
• Affordable starting price under $28,000

Cons:

• Hybrid not available with AWD (yet)
• Bed is shorter than some competitors

2. Hyundai Santa Cruz 🏆 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $28,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a car-like ride with truck flexibility

The 2027 Hyundai Santa Cruz is the most car-like small pickup on the market, riding on a unibody platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson, which gives it a smooth, quiet ride and sharp handling that rivals many SUVs. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft, while the available 2.5-liter turbo cranks out 281 hp and 311 lb-ft for serious power. The 4-foot bed features a lockable tonneau cover and an integrated trunk under the bed floor that adds 2.0 cu ft of secure storage. Maximum towing is 3,500 lb with the base engine or 5,000 lb with the turbo and AWD. The cabin is premium-feeling with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available leather. Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the best in the industry.

Pros:

• Best ride quality in the class
• Lockable bed trunk for secure storage
• Industry-leading warranty

Cons:

• Bed is shorter than Maverick's
• Fuel economy trails the hybrid Maverick

3. Honda Ridgeline

Starting MSRP: $42,000 | Best for: Buyers who need a full-size bed in a mid-size package

The 2027 Honda Ridgeline is the most practical small truck for hauling large items, with a 5.3-foot bed that features a dual-action tailgate (opens down or swings out like a door) and a locking in-bed trunk that holds 7.3 cu ft — big enough for a cooler, tools, or golf bags. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft, paired with a 9-speed automatic and standard AWD. Maximum towing is 5,000 lb. The cabin is spacious and quiet, with available heated and ventilated front seats, a 9-inch touchscreen, and Honda Sensing safety suite. The IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and legendary Honda reliability make it a top contender.

Pros:

• Best-in-class bed features (trunk, dual-action tailgate)
• Smooth V6 and standard AWD
• Excellent safety ratings

Cons:

• Expensive starting price
• Fuel economy lags hybrids

4. Chevrolet Colorado

Starting MSRP: $32,000 | Best for: Off-road enthusiasts and work truck buyers

The 2027 Chevrolet Colorado is the most rugged small truck in the class, with a body-on-frame construction that gives it real truck capability. The 2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 310 hp and 390 lb-ft — more torque than many V8s. The 5.2-foot bed (or 6.2-foot on long-bed models) offers 13 standard tie-downs and available 120-volt power outlet. Maximum towing is 7,700 lb — class-leading. The Z71 and ZR2 trims add off-road suspension, locking rear differential, and skid plates. The cabin is functional with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and available 8-inch digital instrument cluster.

Pros:

• Class-leading towing (7,700 lb)
• Powerful turbo engine
• Excellent off-road trims

Cons:

• Rough ride on pavement
• Fuel economy is poor

5. GMC Canyon

Starting MSRP: $35,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a premium version of the Colorado

The 2027 GMC Canyon is the upmarket sibling of the Chevrolet Colorado, sharing the same body-on-frame platform and 2.7-liter turbo engine but adding more luxurious interior materials, unique exterior styling, and available Denali trim with leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 15-inch head-up display. The 5.2-foot bed and 7,700 lb towing carry over. The AT4X off-road trim adds Multimatic DSSV dampers and front and rear lockers for serious trail capability.

Pros:

• Premium interior for a small truck
• Same class-leading towing as Colorado
• Available high-end Denali trim

Cons:

• Expensive for the segment
• Fuel economy still lags

6. Toyota Tacoma

Starting MSRP: $35,000 | Best for: Reliability and off-road enthusiasts

The 2027 Toyota Tacoma is the legend of the small truck world, known for unmatched reliability and strong resale value. The 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 278 hp and 317 lb-ft, with a hybrid i-Force Max option that bumps that to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The 5-foot bed (or 6-foot on long-bed models) offers standard deck rail system and available 120-volt power outlet. Maximum towing is 6,500 lb. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims are off-road beasts with Fox shocks, 33-inch tires, and locking rear differential.

Pros:

• Legendary reliability and resale value
• Powerful hybrid option
• Excellent off-road trims

Cons:

• Rough ride on pavement
• Cramped rear seat
• Expensive for the segment

7. Ford Ranger

Starting MSRP: $34,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a mid-size truck with a global reputation

The 2027 Ford Ranger is a global best-seller that brings proven capability to the US market. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost makes 270 hp and 310 lb-ft, while the 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost in the Raptor trim cranks out 405 hp and 430 lb-ft for serious performance. The 5-foot bed features BoxLink with movable cleats and available 120-volt power outlet. Maximum towing is 7,500 lb. The Raptor trim is a desert-running monster with Fox Live Valve shocks and 35-inch tires.

Pros:

• Powerful engine options, including Raptor
• Strong towing capability
• Global reliability reputation

Cons:

• Fuel economy is average
• Raptor is very expensive

8. Nissan Frontier

Starting MSRP: $33,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a simple, reliable truck

The 2027 Nissan Frontier is the old-school workhorse of the segment, with a proven 3.8-liter V6 making 310 hp and 281 lb-ft, paired with a 9-speed automatic. The 5-foot bed (or 6-foot on long-bed models) offers available spray-in bedliner and Utili-track channel system. Maximum towing is 6,720 lb. The cabin is basic but functional with an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen and available leather. The Pro-4X trim adds off-road capability with Bilstein shocks and locking rear differential.

Pros:

• Simple, proven V6 engine
• Strong towing for the class
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Outdated interior design
• Poor fuel economy
• Less tech than competitors

9. Jeep Gladiator

Starting MSRP: $42,000 | Best for: Off-road enthusiasts who want a convertible truck

The 2027 Jeep Gladiator is the only convertible pickup truck on the market, with a removable hardtop or soft top and removable doors for an open-air experience. The 3.6-liter V6 makes 285 hp and 260 lb-ft, with an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel that offers 442 lb-ft of torque. The 5-foot bed is standard, and maximum towing is 7,700 lb with the diesel. The Rubicon trim is an off-road legend with locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting sway bar, and 33-inch tires.

Pros:

• Unique convertible design
• Excellent off-road capability
• Diesel option for torque

Cons:

• Expensive starting price
• Poor on-road ride and handling
• Low fuel economy

10. Ram Rampage

Starting MSRP: $30,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a compact unibody truck with Ram styling

The 2027 Ram Rampage is a new entry to the US small truck market, based on a unibody platform shared with the Jeep Compass. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 268 hp and 295 lb-ft, with a 9-speed automatic and available AWD. The 4.5-foot bed features a standard spray-in bedliner and available 120-volt power outlet. Maximum towing is 4,000 lb. The cabin is modern and stylish with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and available digital instrument cluster.

Pros:

• Modern unibody ride quality
• Stylish Ram design
• Affordable starting price

Cons:

• New model with unproven reliability
• Small bed size
• Limited towing compared to body-on-frame rivals

FAQ

What is the best small pickup truck for fuel economy? The Ford Maverick hybrid is the clear winner, with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, making it the most fuel-efficient pickup truck on the market.

What is the best small pickup truck for towing? The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon lead the class with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lb, followed closely by the Jeep Gladiator with 7,700 lb (diesel) and the Ford Ranger at 7,500 lb.

What is the best small pickup truck for off-roading? The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and Ford Ranger Raptor are the top off-road performers, with locking differentials, aggressive tires, and specialized suspension systems.

What is the best small pickup truck for daily driving? The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers the most car-like ride and best interior comfort, making it the top choice for daily commuting and family use.

What is the best small pickup truck for reliability? The Toyota Tacoma has a legendary reputation for reliability and strong resale value, though it is older and less refined than some competitors.

What is the best small pickup truck for budget buyers? The Ford Maverick is the most affordable option starting under $28,000, with excellent fuel economy and practical features that make it a great value.

Sources

• Car and Driver — Small pickup truck reviews and comparisons
• MotorTrend — Truck of the Year evaluations and testing
• Edmunds — Expert reviews and pricing data
• Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — New car pricing and resale values
• U.S. News & World Report — Vehicle rankings and safety ratings
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — Crash test ratings
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Fuel economy estimates
• Manufacturer official websites (Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, Ram) — Specs and warranty details

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